Stranded at the Airport? Here’s How to Keep Busy

If your flight is delayed due to the blizzard (or anythng else), here are a few things you can do while you wait

Whether you’re (supposed to be) traveling to the Northeast today or you’re stuck at the airport trying to leave the region, being stranded at the airport is an inconvenience that can quickly get boring. We hope you’re stuck at an airport that’s great for layovers and that you came prepared with your emergency travel kit. If not, there are still several things you can do to keep busy.

Make Arrangements

Naturally, the first hour (or more) after you find out your flight is delayed will be spent making new arrangements such as figuring out connecting flights, car rentals, hotels, and when your next flight will depart.

If you brought a book with you, you can easily kill waiting time by reading. If you don’t have a book on hand, most public libraries will have e-books you can download online into your phone or computer. If the airport you’re in has limited Wi-Fi availability, use the time to download a few books so once you’re shut out of the internet you can continue reading.

Depending how long your delay is, find a restaurant nearby where you can sit, eat, and drink. Whether you’re traveling alone or with others, this will keep you busy for a bit. Airport restaurants and bars usually have a television with the news running or sports events playing, so you can catch up on what’s happening in the world as you dine.

First, check to see if your airline has a lounge. If so, you can spend a few hours there relaxing, eating, and, well, lounging. You’ll have to pay a small fee to enter if you’re not a member (or don’t have certain credit cards), but if you have a long delay then it will be worth the money. Once you’re inside the lounge, you can eat, drink, and enjoy some much needed R&R until your flight. Some lounges even have spas, which are perfect for dealing with the stress of changing flights and travel arrangements.

Most airports have a few shops you can peruse. If you’re on your way home from a trip, this is a good time to pick up any last-minute gifts and souvenirs. Otherwise, you can grab some snacks and a few magazines to entertain you as you wait.